Central Washington
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a spectacular 614-sq-mile protected area of rough, crenellated mountains, glacier-gouged valleys, and – as the name implies…
Must-see attractions in Central Washington
Central Washington
This highly educational and entertaining museum is one of the state's best. It tells the story of the region from a geographic and historical viewpoint,…
Central Washington
Swimming, boating and fishing entertain summertime visitors to Lake Wenatchee, 23 miles north of the city of Wenatchee (and actually much closer to…
Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Center
Central Washington
The history of the Yakama Native Americans is well documented at the Yakama Nation Cultural Center, which exhibits traditional costumes, baskets and beads…
Goldendale Observatory State Park
Central Washington
Goldendale Observatory State Park is a 5-acre educational park with an awesome telescope, located atop a 2100ft-elevation hill. It's undergoing…
Central Washington
Tucked out of view but surprisingly close, this is Leavenworth's access to the Wenatchee River. Wander down 9th St and follow the leafy path over a…
Central Washington
A pleasant oasis in an otherwise unremarkable city, the Greenway is best accessed via Sarg Hubbard Park at I-82 exit 33. It has 18 miles of paths for…
Central Washington
An interesting historical fort complex is preserved in the 200-acre Fort Simcoe State Park, an oasis of green amid scorched desert hills. It was built in…
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
Central Washington
Of three thriving fish hatcheries on the Columbia River, this is the largest and possibly the most interesting. Created to provide a spawning ground for…
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Central Washington
This good municipal museum places its main focus on – surprise, surprise – apples. Exhibits include a recreation of a 1920s apple-packing shed and a farm…
Central Washington
This urban green space on 46 acres gathers more than 1000 trees native to the Yakima River area, with demonstration gardens (water-conserving xeriscaping…
Central Washington
A view of frontier agriculture is on display in the small town of Thorp, 8 miles northwest of Ellensburg, at what was once a de facto meeting place for…
Kittitas County Historical Museum
Central Washington
Housed in the 1889 Cadwell Building, this museum is known mostly for its petrified-wood and gemstone collections but also boasts several rooms full of…
Central Washington
As much a gift shop as a place to peruse, the Nutcracker Museum specializes, as you'd guess, in an exceptional variety (around 5000 at last count) of…
Olmstead Place State Park Heritage Area
Central Washington
Just 4.5 miles southeast of Ellensburg off I-90 is this open-air museum, with historical log cabins, pioneer barns and other farm buildings dating from…
Central Washington
The nuns and novices of this Greek Orthodox women's monastery open their doors to the world via their fantastic bakery and deli, selling delicious…
Central Washington
This local art museum features a permanent collection of the work of Ellensburg-born Western artist John Clymer, as well as changing exhibits of pieces by…
Central Washington
Three miles north of town on Alt US 97, the Ohme showcases the mighty Columbia River at its best, with 9 acres of terraced alpine gardens emerging like an…
Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen Tour
Central Washington
Home of the famous US candy Aplets & Cotlets. Go in for a factory tour and tastings. Two words: free samples. There's also a gift shop.
Central Washington
Equipment, artifacts and photos tell the story of the Yakima Valley's hop-growing history.
Washington Apple Commission Visitor Center
Central Washington
Washington's, America's and – quite possibly – the world's self-styled apple capital is also home to this little-visited yet surprisingly interesting…
Central Washington
Acting as de facto headquarters of the Yakima Area Arboretum, this small building includes a gift shop with a bookstore and a few displays about the…
